The Aspen Institute

The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization committed to realizing a free, just, and equitable society. Since its founding in 1949, the Institute has been driving change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve the most critical challenges facing communities in the United States and around the world. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the Institute has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, and an international network of partners.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

To achieve our mission of a more free, just, and equitable society, we commit to working proactively to advance the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion across our myriad endeavors such as the recruitment, compensation, training, and advancement of staff. The best people-serving institutions make this commitment, and we seek to be a leader in the ways that we do so and learn from others. Visit our website to learn more about our commitment and recent actions taken toward building and nurturing a diverse and inclusive environment.

The Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE) is looking for someone passionate about Small and Growing Businesses (SGBs) and their role in developing businesses models which create a more sustainable and equitable world.

ANDE is recruiting for a Program Coordinator in the Southern Africa Chapter based in Johannesburg.  This role is based in Johannesburg, South Africa, on an initial one-year contract. The position will report to the Head of the Southern African Chapter.

The work of ANDE

As the leading global voice of the SGB sector, ANDE believes that SGBs are a powerful yet underleveraged tool in addressing social and environmental challenges. Since 2009, ANDE has grown into a trusted network of nearly 300 collaborative members that operate in nearly every developing economy. ANDE works to grow the body of knowledge, mobilize resources, and connect the institutions that support the small business entrepreneurs. ANDE is part of the Aspen Institute, a global nonprofit organisation committed to realising a free, just, and equitable society.

Working Life at ANDE

The ANDE team is from all around the globe with varied backgrounds, qualifications, and experiences. A career at ANDE is more than just a job – it means bringing your unique skill set and expertise to solve some of the global challenges we are trying to address. ANDE recognizes that the team is the most vital resource, and value their knowledge, passion, and commitment. Being a part of the ANDE team means working in a collaborative and supportive environment.

 We offer the following opportunities to all of our global staff:

• Professional development opportunities, including access to ANDE professional development fund and online learning platform Pryor
• Team building, including happy hours, game sessions, and quarterly Wellness Hour events
• Opportunities to participate in ANDE's global events, as well as seminars and convenings sponsored by the Aspen Institute
• Opportunities to participate in internal committees, such as Culture Building and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity task forces

Job Responsibilities

The candidate will self-identify with or even have worked in an environment previously that aligns with ANDE's Values. People who work at ANDE:

• are motivated by the urgency of the global challenges we are trying to address around the three urgent issues we work in namely gender, climate and decent work
• embrace diverse experiences and perspectives
• value community and collaborative action
• leverage limited resources for maximum impact
• work hard and have fun

This role will expose you to the SGB sector in emerging economies and provide various skill-building opportunities, including project management and communication.

 Detailed description about the role include the following:

• Update a research database, with key highlights from the most recent Small and Growing Business sector reports.
• Update a database with fundraising opportunities.
• Gather data and produce insights about the Chapter activities and members.

• Prepare logistics and content for specific project initiatives, such as member meetings, and Pop-up meeting focused on reliance.
• Support communication activities (newsletters, knowledge brief writing, twitter, LinkedIn website updates, invites, etc.).
• Manage member engagement activities such as quarterly check-in calls, facilitating connections between the network, among others.
• Schedule of, and organise logistics for, meetings and networking events for members, as well as topic area webinars.
• Manage chapter administrative tasks.

Application Instructions - Please submit a cover letter including salary expectations and resume through the online portal. Applications without a cover letter and salary expectations will not be considered.

We are only recruiting candidates who are legally authorized to work in South Africa and do not require sponsorship.

The Institute has implemented a mandatory COVID vaccination policy for all employees who will work at one of our physical locations, attend any of our in-person events or travel on behalf of the Institute. Staff unable to be vaccinated may request an exemption under certain circumstances.

The Aspen Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all District and federal laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or protected veteran or disabled status and will not be discriminated against.